Dem. Candidate Tom Perriello Speaks at Lee Park over Statue Feud

Monday afternoon, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Perriello came to Lee Park to speak out about the statue controversy.

First, he called for a state-wide commission on racial healing and transformation. Second, he said that it is time to retire the tradition of honoring Lee-Jackson day every year.

"We must understand that how we tell our past says a great deal about where we are going with our future. As I said before, Virginia as the birthplace of both American democracy and American slavery can make those decisions," Perriello said.

Perriello said the only way to move forward is to have honest conversations about America's past.

Viewer Poll

Some Charlottesville councilors are considering removing the General Lee statue and / or renaming Lee Park. What do you think should be done?

Nora joined the NBC29 news team as a reporter in December 2015, after graduating from the University of Virginia. She is always excited to hear from viewers, so whether you have a story idea, or just want to say hi, you can reach her via Email, Twitter or Facebook.